EXETER City provided the ideal environment for Scott Golbourne to kick-start his career, according to manager Paul Tisdale.

The left-back left the Grecians for npower Championship side Barnsley last week in a deal thought to be worth £80,000.

And Tisdale believes his club had a big part to play in helping the 23-year-old to find his way back into the second-tier of English football, where he had briefly played with previous club Reading.

Tisdale said: "We were the perfect club for him. He had a few nomadic years at Reading where he went on loan here and there, and hadn't discovered his own game.

"I don't think he could have found a better situation than getting 100 games for us in a steady environment.

"After getting a big move to Reading and the disappointment of not cracking it he couldn't afford to make a mistake with his next move.

"It then took him two years to find continuity and it was not until this year that he became a really consistent performer and found a level which was very credible. I cannot see why he cannot perform that way in the Championship.

"I think he is already playing at a level that's suitable for the Championship and I don't see it as a big step for him to make."

Golbourne also believes the time was right for him to have a crack at the Championship.

The defender admits he was a bit raw the last time he was in that division with the Royals.

But Golbourne, who signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Oakwell, believes the experience he gained with the Grecians will prove invaluable this time around.

He said: "It is the perfect time for me to make the step back up into the Championship.

"I'm a lot more mature than when I last played at this level for Reading. When I left for Exeter I wanted to get games under my belt then get back to the Championship so it has worked out well.

"I had a good time down at Exeter and I learned a lot but I always wanted to move back up the leagues.

"The time was right and the club is right as well. Barnsley seems like a nice, humble club with a good bunch of lads in the squad. The staff are young and have fresh ideas so it is really exciting."